Hi. I have recently been appointed to the new part-time role of Pastoral Coordinator in the West.   I was raised on cattle stations between Barcaldine and Aramac, where I have resided again for the past 10 years. After attending boarding school in Yeppoon for secondary school, I went to university in Toowoomba and completed an Agricultural Engineering degree. I worked in Brisbane and Toowoomba before my most recent return ‘home’.

Loretta with Fr Shaiju at Aramac Creek

 As the position is a new one, the role description is still very much developing. So far, it has mostly been a lot of emails, a lot of phone calls and a lot of travel as I visit each of the 11 Mass Centres in the West. With the implementation of the new model of ministry in the West (priests in solidum and the relocation of one of the priests), there have been many changes and adjustments to be made by everyone. My role has included scheduling pastoral activities (including Masses) in a way that works well for the people and the priests and communicating between all the relevant people. Of course, there are many ‘teething problems’ and misunderstandings, but thankfully both the people of the West and both Fr Shaiju and Fr Raj have been very understanding and accomodating.

I am hopeful that in the future there will be time available for me to assist in helping our small Mass Centres (our largest Centres only print 30-40 Bulletins each weekend!) to work together and share their skills, experiences and difficulties in their various ministries and administration matters.

I am very grateful to the Diocese for supporting the West and enabling this position to exist. I believe that it is an important part of assisting our priests to meets the needs of our diverse communities.  The West has a different culture to other areas and therefore a different approach is sometimes required.

Loretta McKeering

On Saturday 29 February 2020, Bishop Michael McCarthy presided at the Vigil Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral during which the Rite of Election was celebrated. Fr Bryan Hanifin V.G., Fr John Daly, Fr Ronaldo Rodriguez and Fr Bill Senn concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Michael.

Catechumens from various centres throughout the Diocese participated in the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election (which usually coincides with the opening of Lent) marks the beginning of the period of final, more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation to be received during the Easter solemnities for catechumens.

During the Rite, on the basis of the testimony of godparents and of the catechumens’ reaffirmation of their intention, Bishop Michael, on behalf of the Church, judged their state of readiness to advance towards the sacraments of initiation.  This judgment is called “election” and as a sign of a pledge of fidelity, the catechumens (now called the Elect) were invited to inscribe their names in the book that lists those who have been chosen for initiation.

Candidates ie those who have already been validly baptised and who wish to complete their Christian initiation, were also invited to this special Mass and they and their sponsors were recognised and offered prayerful support for their journey in faith.

At the end of Mass, the catechumens and candidates received a small gift from Bishop Michael and were congratulated by the assembly with a round of applause.

 Afterwards, the Elect, the candidates, their sponsors and families enjoyed a shared meal at a local restaurant.

The following day, those who could attend were invited to gather for breakfast at The Cathedral College Boys’ Residential and afterwards to participate in a mini-retreat at the Cathedral Parish Centre.  Fr John Daly was the facilitator of the retreat and he invited participants to share in the journey of God’s hospitality: to “take the plunge” - the plunge into the life-giving water of Baptism, into the life of Christ Jesus; to receive the fullness of God’s spirit at Confirmation; to share the banquet of Christ’s sacrifice in the midst of the Church  . . . remembering always that God creates bridges. God is the master bridge builder making connections, building relationships: this is the hospitality of God.

Participants were also privileged to hear two very different but very interesting faith journeys to the Catholic Church by Catherine Simmonds and Trent Shillington.

 Pat McDevitt

(Bishop’s Liturgy Group)

Attending the Official Blessing and Opening of the new Early Years Precinct at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackall are (from left) Fr Shaiju Lookose, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Mayor Andrew Martin, Fr Raj Kodavatikanti, Rockhampton Catholic Education Assistant Director: Schools (Western Region) Tim Collins, St Joseph’s Principal Joanne Davison, Bishop of Rockhampton Most Rev Michael McCarthy, Rockhampton Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat.

Women’s Breakfast 9^th February 2020

 On several occasions during the past couple of years we have held ‘Men’s Breakfast’-  a meal followed by a talk from a visitor or just among the men themselves.

This year we resolved to have such a function, not just for the men but for the women and the High Schoolers too.  Those dates have already been put into the timetable. Breakfast is at 8.00 am followed by a talk and interaction with the group and it is all over by 11 am at the latest.

The first one this year was for the women with Sr Kym Harris coming from Yeppoon to be the guest speaker. The following is some feedback from the gathering.

 *  Listening to Sister Kym share her family story of love, hope, commitment, and at times challenging moments, with our group.  So many of us could relate to what she shared and the immense love she has for her family.  Thinking about this reflection, it is all about our journey through life, the ups and downs, but always knowing that Jesus is with us always.  Thank you Sister Kym.

 * Spending time with all the women, (our time away from the busy lives that we all lead) and sharing a breakfast with them.

* Taking the opportunity to spend time with women whom you didn’t know and listen to their family stories of expectations, aspirations, love and perseverance.  Personally, I sat down at breakfast with women who I didn’t know very well, and one I didn’t know at all.  It was so wonderful to speak to new people and share with them. 

 * I felt a joy being there through everyone’s enthusiasm and encouragement of each other:  the belief that strength ties a family together, the strength given by God Our Heavenly Father.  I would highly recommend this type of gathering again.

 *  I found this enjoyable and found Sister Kym’s sharing of her experience as a “mother” to her brother’s children  entertaining.  As a mother myself it was entertaining to hear Sister’s comments on her handling of various situations.  As mothers we never give much thought to our time raising young children.  We “sort of” just do it.

 * Sr Kym’s talk at the women’s breakfast was profoundly soul-cleansing.  The acknowledgment of grief and loss of any kind, and the importance of allowing people to grieve and talk about these feelings, seems to be getting lost in today’s society.  Sister Kym’s own personal reflections reminded us all that we are not alone in our grief and inspired me personally to be able to reach out and reconnect with loved ones…

Then rise again from ashes, let healing come to pain.
Though spring has turned to winter, and sunshine turned to rain.
The rain we’ll use for growing, and create the world anew,
From an offering of ashes, an offering to you.

 © 1978, Tom Conry, OCP. All rights reserved. Used with permission. OneLicense A623889

Ash Wednesday came early for us in Bundaberg. We woke to the news on Tuesday, 11th February, that St Mary’s Church, South Bundaberg, had been destroyed by fire. So many parishioners were “gutted” as the headlines accurately reported. With the aid of technology word was passed around that a gathering of parishioners would be held that afternoon at 1.00pm at which facts and memories could be shared and dreams and visions for the future could be started. A similar gathering was arranged for Saturday, 15th February, and was well attended.

Before, during and after the fire.

Bundaberg was hurting but with the leadership of Fr Peter and the parish team we are rising from the ashes, day by day.  Bishop Michael’s efforts to travel to Bundaberg for the first 9.00am Mass after the fire and gathering at the Community Centre next to the burnt-out church was greatly appreciated. Any liturgy, devotions or prayer gatherings normally held in St Mary’s church are now held in St Patrick’s church.

“Remembering St Mary’s in the following days brought the devastated community together to share their memories and to support one another, and the healing process continues. Gone but never forgotten, the old St Mary’s Church will always be part of my family’s DNA but St Mary’s is the people, not the building and the Church community is still very much alive and strong and we have already risen from the ashes.” Vince Habermann

“St. Marys was well served by its long serving priest, Fr. Tim Murphy, as well as the many other priests who have helped us shape and make St. Mary’s into this vibrant & resilient community of today. The St. Mary’s Church building was an Icon in Bundaberg. Unfortunately our beloved St. Mary’s Icon was tragically taken away from us. Our beloved St. Mary’s Church will always be cemented in our minds & hearts. Our community is strong and will continue on our journey in a different place.” Kevin Banner

Parishioners are being encouraged to write their memories and stories of their lives in and around St Mary’s Church so that a Memorial Book can be compiled.

New Stewardship Council Members

The first meeting of the Parish Stewardship Council for 2020 was held on Thursday, 20th February, where the St Mary’s fire was foremost on our agenda. There was also an opportunity to welcome the new members to our Council: Ben Galea, Mick Gerrard, Mick Walker, Colleen Oberle, Nadia Fregonese and Emily Obst. We look forward to a productive year.

Youth Ministry Co-Ordinator

Lizzy Kelly with Marcia Sharp (Visitation Co-ordinator)

We welcomed Miss Elizabeth Kelly to our Parish Team on Monday, February 17^th, as our parish Youth Ministry Co-ordinator. Elizabeth, “Lizzy”, comes from all over the place, as she tells it, but more recently from Adelaide where she had been working in this same role. She’s a Bundy girl come back home and has great ideas for continuing the work of the NET Teams that we’ve been fortunate to have working with our young people for the past 4 years.

Lizzy is assisted by Miss Maddison Devine two days a week. They have begun visiting schools and meeting with young adults. Together these two lively young ladies have reworked their office into the “party room” and lowered the average age of the team considerably.

Farewell to a Friend

The sudden death of Denis Donovan on 21^st February shocked many, foremost his family, friends, the St James’ community at Bargara, and the education family in Bundaberg and beyond. Denis was “a square peg in a round hole” as he described himself. He was a humble servant-leader in education and community work, an adventurer in education and in life, enjoying time on the road with his wife, Beth, in retirement. Denis is remembered as the first lay principal of both St Joseph’s and St Mary’s schools, Bundaberg. He envisioned and brought to fruition the first pre-school in the diocese at St Joseph’s and the planning and development of the new St Mary’s school on Frank Gilbert Drive.

The celebration of his life, held in Holy Rosary Church, was a testament to the person he was. The church overflowed with family and friends who surrounded Beth and her family with support and lots of stories. Rest in peace now.

Anne Sheehan 

Kindergarten opened

Bundaberg’s first Catholic kindergarten opened at the start of the school year adjacent to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Woondooma Street. 

Rockhampton Diocese’s Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat said the kindergarten represented a new era in the continuation of Catholic education in the region.

“Catholic Education in Bundaberg commenced over 140 years ago at St Joseph’s and it’s very pleasing that we are able to continue to grow our services in this area to offer a quality educational choice for Bundaberg families from early learning through to Year 12,” Diocesan Director of Catholic Education Leesa Jeffcoat said.

The new Catholic kindergarten offers the endorsed Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline providing opportunities for children to engage, through a play-based approach, in learning across the intellectual, language, emotional, physical, social and spiritual dimensions. 

 “In addition, our new kindergarten will implement the Framework for Early Years Spiritual Development in the Catholic Tradition developed by Catholic Education which provides an early years program that nurtures each child's innate spirituality and relationship with God,” Miss Jeffcoat said. 

Miss Jeffcoat extended thanks to St Joseph’s Principal Kaye Beston and Parish Priest Fr Peter Tonti and the Bundaberg Catholic community for their active support and enthusiasm for the development of the kindergarten to further serve Bundaberg families.   

“We have welcomed our first cohort of children to the kindergarten and we are very excited about their progress and development,” Mrs Beston said. 

The new kindergarten has been strategically positioned adjacent to the Prep and Year 1 classrooms further enhancing the notion of an early years precinct incorporating Kindergarten, Prep and Year One at St Joseph’s. 

Further information about enrolments at St Joseph’s Catholic Kindergarten is available on the Rockhampton Catholic Education website or by contacting Catholic Education Early Learning and Care on 4994 8095.

‘The guest speaker at the Catholic Mens Dinner Club on Monday 24^th February was Mackay Regional Councillor Kevin Casey.

Kevin who has been the longest serving councillor has decided not to contest at the next council election. Kevin has served on the council for 16 years. During this time he has served under 4 mayors and for one term he was Deputy Mayor which was a huge honour as this was a third generation of the Casey family to serve as a councillor and as Deputy Mayor.

Serving the people of Mackay with great distinction was paramount for Kevin, talking to people directly about their problems and finding solutions where possible. During his time on the council he has been there during various natural disasters, the mining boom and other events, all of which caused numerous problems to infrastructure.  Now, Kevin is quite proud of the achievements of council in not only having all maintenance up to date but also in having infrastructure that can handle future growth.

Kevin has been a member of the Mens Dinner Club for over 25 years and was Chairman for several years.  Kevin is also in the parish of St Mary's, Mackay and has been on various committees.  He has also been involved with various sporting groups.

He will be missed on the council; he enjoyed his time there. However, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Tricia and family and grand children in America.

The Mens Dinner Club meets again on Monday 30th March 6.30pm for 7pm start at the Boomerang Hotel with a Mystery Guest Speaker. Visitors welcome’

Left to Right:-    Mick Tweddle, Kevin Casey, Frank Doolan.

justice@mercy Clothes Sorting

The Mercy College service committee ‘justice@mercy’ recently assisted the Apostolic Church members to sort donated clothing, to be recycled and sent overseas to the Philippines. Students had the huge task of sorting bags and bags of donated clothing into ladies, mens, boys, girls and baby winter and summer clothing as well as sorting work clothes that needed to be repaired, washed or thrown out.

After one and a half hours of sorting many bags, larger bags were packed and ready to be transported and distributed to new homes and grateful people in the Philippines.

Aged Care Support

Mercy College Year 9 students have been learning about the characteristics of positive relationships and how the choices they make impact on others in the community. They have as part of their studies, visited and provided support to the residents of three local Aged Care facilities. This has been organised to help students experience the importance of understanding the role of the elderly in our community and learning about the life and dignity of all people. Students will unpack their choices made around some of the key principles of Catholic Social Teachings and the rights and responsibilities of all.

We recently welcomed Fr Marcel back home to our Northside Community.  We continue to keep him and his family in our prayers.

Ash Wednesday 2020

Our schools and parishes came together to begin Lent with Ash Wednesday School Masses.  In Fr Marcel’s homily he encouraged us to ‘trust in the one who sees in secret to build up our communities and make us a blessing to each other’

   Ash Wednesday School Mass at Holy Family

Ritual of Remembering Baptism

At our Masses on the Second Sunday of Lent children preparing for their reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist in July this year and the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the end of March participated in a Ritual of Remembering Baptism.

Across our three parishes there are 86 children enrolled in the 2020 Sacramental Program.

    Mass at Holy Family

Together with their parents, they promised to pray to Jesus each day and continue to think about what it means to follow him.    Parents re-committed themselves to the promise to give their children every opportunity to know Jesus, the same promise they made at their Baptism. 

Members of our faith communities were invited to pray for the children and their families making them welcome among us.

      Commitment cards

Blessing

On February 22^nd, family and friends gathered at Peter and Kathy Maloney’s new home.           We came together to celebrate and join in the blessing of their newly built home, which I am sure will be full of love, joy and peace. Two of their beautiful daughters – Nicole and Helen, were able to join their parents for this special occasion. Fr Noel Milner and Fr Matthew Moloney were also able to attend. Fr Noel used one of his new acquisitions from a recent pilgrimage to Greece to bless those present and Peter and Kathy’s home. All who attended enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere, great company and generous hospitality. We pray this home will be a safe and blessed haven for all who abide there.

World Day of Prayer

On March 6^th we gathered at Mary Immaculate Church in Emu Park and Sacred Heart Church at Lammermoor for an ecumenical World Day of Prayer. We joined with over 150 countries around the world, in 88 different languages.

World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement led by Christian women who welcome all to join in prayer and action for peace and justice.

This year we prayed for Zimbabwe and the title was – Rise! Take your mat and walk! This was a simple yet meaningful service which included a short meditation. After the service we enjoyed the companionship of all over morning tea.

Thank you to the ladies who organized this morning.

Sacramental Program

 Children from the parish started their Sacramental Journey last Saturday evening at Sacred Heart Church. They came along to register and enrol for their First Reconciliation. They all processed in with Fr Matthew with their sheep (which held their name), and placed them up on the wall in the church for all the parishioners to keep them in their prayers. We will pray for the children and their families as they proceed through the Sacramental Program.

Saint Vincent de Paul on the Capricorn Coast

The past few months have been a very busy time for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society on the Coast. A significant number of people have been helped in various ways within our community, above and beyond the usual aid to the disadvantaged.

Leading up to Christmas conference members handed out 84 hampers to needy families in the region, at a value of over $10,000. This gave families with little opportunity the capacity to celebrate the festive season with food and gifts that most of us take for granted.

Then, as the school year began, Vinnies on the coast assisted 35 children with financial aid, books and uniforms costing $10,500. This is essential so that pupils from poor families are not disadvantaged during their school years.

The major challenge on the Coast has been assisting those affected by the terrible bushfires at Cobrabull west of Yeppoon. To date more than 30 families have been given material and financial assistance. Thus far the funds given total more than $120,000. There will be ongoing assistance needed for victims of the fires as they struggle to re-build their homes and their lives. Vinnies will continue with aid for these people well into 2020.

Whilst the present rains have been a blessing, local farming families have also been living with severe and worsening drought over the past few years. In the Rockhampton/Livingstone Local Government Areas the amount of financial assistance distributed by Vinnies to assist in feeding stock and helping with other basic farm costs has passed $350,000.

And the normal work of the conferences goes on, irrespective of natural disasters. Families in need are given food, clothing and financial assistance every week, with members in Yeppoon and Emu Park interviewing, assessing needs and assisting the disadvantaged in our community on a daily basis.

If parishioners are aware of families who require some form of material aid, they are asked to contact the local Vincentians who will visit and help wherever possible. And remember you can help by donations in the poor box at church and by supporting our charity centres. Every dollar donated to Vinnies goes directly to those in need.

St Mary’s parish was once again visited by Judy Pidcock and Jan Mussig who presented the Safe-guarding Inservice; thirteen people attended.

On 20^th February during the Opening School Mass, St Joseph’s School Captains and Sports Captains were announced and presented with their badges. Along with the Year 6 School Leaders, who also received their leadership badges, they promised to be good leaders for 2020. 

School Captains:  Willow Barwick & Corey Cavanagh,

Penola Captains:  Libby Cook & Paxton Zoutenbier

MacKillop Captains – Miki Beale, Lainey Foot

Catholic Education staff came together for the annual Bishop’s Inservice Day (BID) gatherings in various centres across the diocese during February including Barcaldine, Emerald, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton.

The significant undertaking brought together over 2000 Catholic Education personnel and members of the Diocesan community for faith formation, professional development and the opportunity to hear directly from Bishop Michael McCarthy.  The theme and key message of Bishop Michael’s address related to ministering in our Catholic schools and colleges by reflecting on the theme What is God calling me to?

Bishop Michael addresses staff gathering at Bishop’s Inservice Day at The Cathedral College in Rockhampton.

Attendees were also able to choose from a selection of workshops where presenters shared personal reflections on their own call to holiness, opening up ways for all to discover this in their own daily lives.

Rockhampton Diocese’s Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat, said the BID gatherings were highly successful and Miss Jeffcoat conveyed her sincere appreciation to Di-Anne Rowan (Assistant Director: Mission) and her Team for the great work undertaken in organising the days.

 “The energy, hospitality and keen involvement of all present provided a life-giving and uplifting experience. A special highlight for me was the opportunity to meet new staff members, particularly our graduate teachers, who bring such vibrancy and enthusiasm to their school communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

 “Staging these days requires an enormous amount of planning and preparation and I am deeply grateful to the Catholic Education Faith Identity and Religious Education team for the organisation and implementation of the days,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

CentacareCQ leadership retreat 2020

CentacareCQ leaders from across the Diocese gathered last month for a retreat at The Haven in Emu Park to reflect on the work of the organisation, its mission and to learn some new tools to continue their work as leaders.

On day 1, the team were inspired by Dr Mark Copland’s session titled “Mission on the Margins - bringing life to our values with those pushed to the edge”.  Day 2 included Bishop Michael introducing the CentacareCQ leadership team to Pope Francis’ writing, “Gaudete et Exsultate” – the apostolic call to holiness in today’s world.  The staff reflected on what they each do every day, and identified the holiness in the people in their lives. CentacareCQ Director Robert Sims then led the team for a discussion on the culture of the organisation, and the connection between the work they and the people they serve.  He said, "It was great to take the time to reflect on where the work comes from – that the services we provide and the work we do is how we respond to Pope Francis’ call to holiness”.  That afternoon was the culmination of work the team had worked on with their staff since November 2019 – discussing the experiences and moments that made them proud to be a part of CentacareCQ. Dissecting what it was about those experiences that made them proud to be a part of the organisation and to identify CentacareCQ’s own WHY – the reason they do the work that the organisation does.  This session was co-facilitated by Dr Sue Pillans, a graphic recording artist who helped the group visually express the WHY. One of the staff said, “Seeing the 'Find your WHY' come together was awesome.”

On the third day, the team attended mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, before an afternoon of video editing training with senior communication officers Tamara MacKenzie and Stu Harcourt. The pair delivered an interactive session about using video and social media to communicate within the organisation to other team members and externally to the wider world.

The following morning (day 4) was spent with Mischa Farrell who ably convinced the leadership team that while industrial relations and human resources are complex, they have the capability to support their staff and the organisation. One team member said: “I found Mischa's workshop to be fun and insightful. Human resource issues occur almost every day and being part of this workshop provided me with new skills in dealing with these issues.”

Another staff member said, “The workshops at the retreat were a great way of reminding us why we are all here.”

A Professional Specialist in Liturgy Education from Australian Catholic University (ACU) will run two workshops for the Diocese of Rockhampton on Tuesday 31 March and Wednesday 1 April.

Ms Sharon Boyd from ACU’s Centre for Liturgy will present two workshops ‘Speaking Awesome Words’ and ‘Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest’ at different intervals over the two-day period.

 Speaking Awesome Words covers foundation skills for Lectors and will involve parishioners as well as secondary students from local Catholic Colleges.

 Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest will cover situations on how to worship when priests are unavailable to lead worship.

 To ensure the large distances of the Rockhampton Diocese aren’t an obstacle to attendance, two of the workshops will be broadcast by video conference, allowing those as far away as Longreach to participate.

 Speaking Awesome Words:

Tuesday 31 March - 3:30pm—5:30pm

The Cathedral Parish Centre, William Street, Rockhampton

or

Wednesday 1 April - 3:30pm—5:30pm or 7:00pm—9:00pm

Holy Family Church, Feez Street, North Rockhampton

 Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest

Tuesday 31 March - 7:00pm—9:00pm

Catholic Education Office, 143 West Street, Rockhampton or by video conference

or

Wednesday 1 April - 11:00am—1:00pm

Catholic Education Office, 143 West Street, Rockhampton or by video conference

 Cost: $20 per person (secondary students will be subsidised)

RSVP: Friday 27 March 2020 to Nicole Butler nicole_butler@rok.catholic.edu.au or 4994 8100

On March 2nd and 3rd at the Kevin Castles Centre in Rockhampton, Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates and teachers from The Cathedral College were blessed in having Sister Mary Pat Garvin (a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas) conduct two reflective days.

“Centred on God …  Sent on Mission” focused on Catherine McAuley (founder of the Sisters of Mercy) as a Social Mystic – a person whose relationship with Jesus unleashed social change.   The challenge to all participants was to follow Catherine’s example, be a Social Mystic and ‘mend the part of the world that is within their reach.’ 

On the second day, “Affectionately Yours: Catherine’s letters speak,” Sister Mary Pat helped participants to see how the words Catherine wrote to the Sisters at that time may not have the same meaning or interpretation in today’s world.  Her letters also show Catherine living out her call to be a Social Mystic in all of her humanness.  The challenge of the day: what relevance do Catherine’s letters have for us today?

On Saturday the 22^nd February the Most Reverend Phillip Aspinall, Archbishop of Brisbane, Bishops of the Anglican Dioceses of the Province of Queensland, many clergy, our own Bishop Michael, family and parishioners from various cities in the diocese gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral to give praise and thanks to God for the many blessings on the diocese through the ministry and service of Bishop David Robinson and his wife Jan.

It was during this celebration that Bishop David formally lay down on the Communion Table the Pastoral Staff of the Diocese of Rockhampton, saying these words:

“I, David, Bishop in the Church of God, received this Pastoral Staff as the twelfth Bishop of Rockhampton, five and a half years ago.  It had before then been carried by eleven predecessors.  Having now completed my ministry by the Grace of God, and praying that when the Chief Shepherd appears I may not be found wanting,  I return this staff to the diocese, in anticipation of it being handed on to the thirteenth Bishop of Rockhampton once elected.”

While gentle music played the Bishop knelt in silent prayer. Bishop David then prayed that God would give Rockhampton a new Shepherd after His own heart, to walk His ways and lovingly care for His people.

Archbishop Aspinall then thanked Bishop Robinson for his leadership and dedication as he guided the Diocese through many changes and challenges.  He also thanked Jan for her enthusiastic participation in the mission. The Archbishop hoped that Bishop David and Jan would have a long holiday and many more experiences on the top of the mountain.  He then gave them his Blessing.

After expressing the gratitude and best wishes from the diocese, Mrs Margo Purcell, Diocesan chancellor and Canon David Rees, ex Registrar presented Bishop David and Jan a painting which was commissioned from artist Rainman Boland.  This very creative painting depicted the area of Central Queensland included in the Rockhampton diocese.

All were then invited to gather in the Cathedral Centre for light refreshments and fellowship.

Mrs Barbara Smith, Personal Assistant of the Bishop presented a photographic memorabilia and messages from every parish in the diocese, as well as significant events such as Bishop David’s consecration, ordinations, installations and confirmation mission trips and ministry programs. 

Many speeches followed.  The gratitude and love of the community were summed up appropriately in the words of the Venerable Tom Henderson-Brooks who said,

“We have been greatly blessed and encouraged by Bishop David’s leadership over the last five and a half years”.  He has served the church and the local community with wisdom, integrity, a great sense of humour and much grace. He has pointed us all towards Jesus. Bishop David, together with his vibrant and compassionate wife Jan, will be greatly missed”.

Bishop David was invited to respond.  He said, “It has been a great privilege to serve God in Central Queensland.   Jan and I will leave Rockhampton with many memories. In our five and a half years here, we have made many friends and will be sad to leave them behind”.

The students from The Cathedral College who had served the guests so gracefully were invited to come forward and were thanked with great acclamation.

Bishop David’s final service was held at 11.00am on Saturday 22nd February in the newly reopened St Paul’s Cathedral.

Bishop David and his wife Jan will be retiring to the Hunter Valley region.

Sr Beryl Amedee rsm